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What's On
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- What's On
Some of the best Chinese restaurants to try in Dubai
Whether you're craving a luxe night out with skyline views or a comforting bowl of noodles that hits the spot, Dubai is home to a dynamic range of Chinese restaurants that deliver on both flavour and flair. From Michelin-starred fine dining to casual favourites, Dubai has something for every palate and every price point. Here are some of the best Chinese spots to check out this summer: Mott 32 Bringing a slice of Hong Kong glamour to Dubai, Mott 32 is a sophisticated Chinese dining experience that blends traditional flavours with a contemporary twist. Known for its dramatic interiors and elevated take on classic Cantonese cuisine, this Address Beach Resort gem is where you go for expertly roasted peking duck, signature dim sum, and fresh seafood dishes with flair. Perfect for a luxe summer dinner with skyline views. Location: Mott 32, 73rd floor, Address Beach Resort, Dubai Marina Times: Daily, 6pm to 12am Contact: 04 278 4832 Din Tai Fung Famed worldwide for its delicate Xiao Long Bao, Din Tai Fung delivers consistent, comforting, and flavour-packed Taiwanese cuisine in a casual yet refined setting. From their pillowy steamed dumplings to fluffy fried rice and warming chicken soup, each dish is crafted with precision and care. Whether you're stopping by for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, this Bluewaters Island outpost hits all the right notes. Location: Ground Floor, The Wharf Mall, Bluewaters Island Times: Mon to Thurs, 11am to 12am, Fri to Sun 11am to 1am Contact: 04 288 7786 Maiden Shanghai This Gault&Millau-recognised hotspot serves up organic, MSG-free Chinese cuisine in one of the city's most glamorous settings. Blending bold Cantonese, Sichuan, Shanghai, and Beijing flavours, Maiden Shanghai is more than just a meal, it's a vibe. Set within a glitzy 1920s Shanghai-inspired space, expect an upscale dining experience complete with a stylish outdoor lounge, private dining rooms, a lively bar, and even a hidden karaoke den for post-dinner fun. Location: Level 1, FIVE Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Times: Times: Mon to Fri & Sun: 12:30pm to 3:30pm, 7pm to 1am, Sat: 1pm to 7pm, 8pm to 2am, Fri & Sat (evening): open until 2am Contact: 04 455 9989 Hutong A sultry, lantern-lit spot in the heart of DIFC, Hutong is where Northern Chinese spice meets skyline sophistication. Famed for its bold, fiery flavours, luxe interiors, and unlimited dim sum lunch for Dhs118, this award-winning destination blends fine dining with a vibrant nightlife vibe. Expect handcrafted cocktails, DJ sets, and stunning terrace views with free valet just outside, your evening starts effortlessly. Location: Gate Building 6, Ground Floor, DIFC, Dubai Times: Lunch: 12pm to 3:30pm, Brunch: 12:30pm to 4pm, Dinner: 6pm to 11:30pm Contact: 04 220 0868 Hakkasan Dubai A recipient of one Michelin Star, Hakkasan Dubai is a masterclass in contemporary Chinese dining. Located at the iconic Atlantis, The Palm, this refined restaurant blends traditional techniques with bold modernity, serving signature dishes crafted with precision and flair. Whether it's the artfully plated dim sum, decadent mains, or imaginative cocktails by world-class mixologists, every element of Hakkasan exudes elegance, energy, and innovation. Location: Atlantis, The Palm, Crescent Road, Dubai Times: Daily, 6pm to 11:30pm Contact: 04 426 2626 Images: Instagram
What's On
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
5 of the best restaurants and bars in Dubai you'll want be seen at this weekend
Dubai weekends are made for dressing up, booking late, and showing up where the city's pulse is loudest. Every week, there's an exciting lineup of restaurants and bars in Dubai to explore. From innovative Cantonese concepts to low-lit lounges, here are 5 of the best restaurants and bars in Dubai you'll want be seen at this weekend. China Tang The iconic London-born Cantonese restaurant makes its Middle East debut at The Lana Promenade. Opulent, Art Deco glamour meets 1930s Shanghai. Think mirrored ceilings, stained glass, intricate wallpaper, and a moody, elegant cocktail bar, and a refined take on Cantonese cuisine by Chef Li Zhenjun. Signature dishes include Xiao Long Bao, Sir David's Hot & Sour Soup, Whole Lobster with E-Fu Noodles, and the famous Beijing Duck, roasted in a custom oven and carved tableside. New Dubai exclusives include Foie Gras Cherries, Da Hong Pao Lamb Cutlets, and Honey-Glazed Beef Char Siu. Location: The Lana Promenade, Dorchester Collection, Marasi Bay Marina Times: Opening daily 12pm to 11pm Contact: (0)4 295 7464. @chinatang_dubai KIRA & LITT A double-whammy opening brings two brand-new menus worth trying. The team behind CLAP has launched KIRA Dubai and the adjoining LITT Bar Club inside the spectacular Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. At KIRA, dishes are rooted in Mediterranean and Japanese flavours, with a focus on wild-caught seafood, robata-fired meats, and pasta. Meanwhile, at sister venue LITT, the new menu comes in liquid form, offering a curated list of clever cocktails. While the weather allows, make a beeline for the outdoor terrace, which has an enviable view of Burj Al Arab. Location: Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab Hotel, Times: Kira is open daily 12pm to 2am, LITT Tuesday to Saturday 9pm to 3am Contact: @kirarestaurant. @littbarclub GABA Hidden in Dubai Marina, GABA moves at its own pace. By day, it's a serene tea lounge – rare organic brews, calm energy, soft light, and a quiet sense of ritual. But behind a discreet door, the mood shifts. The bar feels like an art-filled living room with a DJ – intimate, low-key, and effortlessly cool. Come when you're in the mood for a night that feels more like a house party only a few are invited to. Location: GABA, M level, Marina Promenade, Dubai Marina Times: Daily 5pm to 10pm Contact: Tel: (0)55 397 6973. @ Replay, Bla Bla If good company, music, and a mic in hand is your kind of night, you'll want to check out Replay. Just launched on the upper floor of Bla Bla Dubai in JBR, the new karaoke lounge is built for Dubai's summer nightlife. With seven private themed rooms, a main lounge with a DJ booth, and over 80,000 songs across 20+ languages, it's made for post-brunch hangouts, group celebrations, and spontaneous sing-offs. The menu keeps it casual but solid, salmon tacos, dynamite shrimp, truffle pizza, and other shareables. Private karaoke sessions are priced at Dhs45/hour (2+ hours) or Dhs55/hour (1-hour bookings). Location: Replay, Bla Bla Dubai, JBR Timings: Open daily from 5pm to 3am Contact: (0)4 584 4111. @replaydubai Brasserie Lutetia Brasserie Lutetia, now open on the second floor of Sofitel Dubai Downtown, brings a taste of Paris to the city's core. Putting a modern spin on the traditional French brasserie, the space is both stylish and relaxed, serving classic French and Mediterranean dishes with a sustainable twist, thanks to its use of hydroponic farming. From morning croissants to leisurely lunches and evening drinks, Brasserie Lutetia delivers great food, a vibrant vibe, and plenty of charm. Location: Brasserie Lutetia, 2nd Floor, Sofitel Dubai Downtown Times: Breakfast from 6.30am to 10.30am, lunch from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, dinner from 6.30pm to 10.30pm. Contact: Tel: (0)4 503 6122. Images: Supplied/Instagram
What's On
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
7 new restaurants in Dubai you'll want to try this June
Written by: Lana Du 4 days ago Dubai's always got something new cooking, and June is no exception. This month, there's an exciting lineup of new restaurants in Dubai to explore. From classic Greek dining to innovative Cantonese cuisine, here are 7 new restaurants in Dubai to check out this June. Click through the gallery 3 of 12 The iconic London-born Cantonese restaurant makes its Middle East debut at The Lana Promenade. Opulent, Art Deco glamour meets 1930s Shanghai. Think mirrored ceilings, stained glass, intricate wallpaper, and a moody, elegant cocktail bar. Offering: A refined take on Cantonese cuisine by Chef Li Zhenjun. Signature dishes include Xiao Long Bao, Sir David’s Hot & Sour Soup, Whole Lobster with E-Fu Noodles, and the famous Beijing Duck â€' roasted in a custom oven and carved tableside. New Dubai exclusives include Foie Gras Cherries, Da Hong Pao Lamb Cutlets, and Honey-Glazed Beef Char Siu. Timings: Opening daily 12pm to 11pm Location: The Lana Promenade, Dorchester Collection, Marasi Bay Marina Contact: (0)4 295 7464. @chinatang_dubai The newest name at Pier 7, Elaia brings a laid-back take on Mediterranean dining with a menu made for sharing. Expect dishes like crispy zucchini, melitzanosalata, grilled octopus, and salt-baked red snapper, plus wood-fired pizzas and a solid wine list. Inside, the space is low-lit, warm, and spacious, with Marina views if you're sitting outside. Offering: Mediterranean sharing plates, seafood, wood-fired pizzas, fresh breads and dips, curated wines. Timings: Daily, 12pm to 1am Location: Elaia, Pier 7, Dubai Marina Contact: (0) 4 576 2389 . @elaiadubai If good company, music, and a mic in hand is your kind of night, you’ll want to check out Replay. Just launched on the upper floor of Bla Bla Dubai in JBR, the new karaoke lounge built for Dubai’s summer nightlife. With seven private themed rooms, a main lounge with a DJ booth, and over 80,000 songs across 20+ languages, it’s made for post-brunch hangouts, group celebrations, and spontaneous sing-offs. The menu keeps it casual but solid â€' salmon tacos, dynamite shrimp, truffle pizza, and other shareables. Offering: Private karaoke sessions are priced at Dhs45/hour (2+ hours) or Dhs55/hour (1-hour bookings). Timings: Open daily from 5pm to 3am Location: Replay, Bla Bla Dubai, JBR Contact: (0)4 584 4111. @replaydubai This June, Dubai gets two new spots that take dining and nightlife up a notch. Geisha is a Pan-Asian lounge with a live sushi bar and crafted cocktails. After 11PM, the vibe turns up with live bands and DJs. Just steps away inside the restaurant, Opal Room is a hidden speakeasy offering a low-key, intimate escape as the night unfolds. Opening June Location: 16th floor of Emirates Financial Towers in DIFC Culinara Social Dining is one of the newest arrivals on Dubai's culinary map. Set 100 metres above the city in The Link at One Zaabeel, this sky-high food hall brings together 12 of the region's most exciting chefs, homegrown concepts, and indie favourites, all under one roof, in a buzzing, beautifully designed spot. Timings: Open daily from 12pm to 11pm, Coffee and breakfast available daily from, 7am to 11pm. Location: The Link, One Zaabeel, 24th Floor. Contact: Brasserie Lutetia, now open on the second floor of Sofitel Dubai Downtown, brings a taste of Paris to the city's core. Putting a modern spin on the traditional French brasserie, the space is both stylish and relaxed, serving classic French and Mediterranean dishes with a sustainable twist, thanks to its use of hydroponic farming. From morning croissants to leisurely lunches and evening drinks, Brasserie Lutetia delivers great food, a vibrant vibe, and plenty of charm. Brasserie Lutetia, 2nd Floor, Sofitel Dubai Downtown, breakfast from 6.30am to 10.30am, lunch from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, dinner from 6.30pm to 10.30pm. Images: Supplied/ Instagram > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
What's On
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
5 new restaurants in Dubai you'll want to try this June
Written by: Lana Du 1 hour ago Dubai's always got something new cooking, and June is no exception. This month, there's an exciting lineup of new restaurants in Dubai to explore. From classic Greek dining to innovative Cantonese cuisine, here are 5 new restaurants in Dubai to check out this June. Click through the gallery 3 of 12 The iconic London-born Cantonese restaurant makes its Middle East debut at The Lana Promenade. Opulent, Art Deco glamour meets 1930s Shanghai. Think mirrored ceilings, stained glass, intricate wallpaper, and a moody, elegant cocktail bar. Offering: A refined take on Cantonese cuisine by Chef Li Zhenjun. Signature dishes include Xiao Long Bao, Sir David's Hot & Sour Soup, Whole Lobster with E-Fu Noodles, and the famous Beijing Duck, roasted in a custom oven and carved tableside. New Dubai exclusives include Foie Gras Cherries, Da Hong Pao Lamb Cutlets, and Honey-Glazed Beef Char Siu. Timings: Opening daily 12pm to 11pm Location: The Lana Promenade, Dorchester Collection, Marasi Bay Marina Contact: (0)4 295 7464. @chinatang_dubai The newest name at Pier 7, Elaia brings a laid-back take on Mediterranean dining with a menu made for sharing. Expect dishes like crispy zucchini, melitzanosalata, grilled octopus, and salt-baked red snapper, plus wood-fired pizzas and a solid wine list. Inside, the space is low-lit, warm, and spacious, with Marina views if you're sitting outside. Offering: Mediterranean sharing plates, seafood, wood-fired pizzas, fresh breads and dips, curated wines. Timings: Daily, 12pm to 1am Location: Elaia, Pier 7, Dubai Marina Contact: (0) 4 576 2389 . @elaiadubai Just launched on the upper floor of Bla Bla Dubai in JBR, Replay is a new karaoke lounge built for Dubai's summer nightlife. With seven private themed rooms, a main lounge with a DJ booth, and over 80,000 songs across 20+ languages, it's made for post-brunch hangouts, group celebrations, and special nights out. The menu features salmon tacos, dynamite shrimp, truffle pizza, and more. Offering: Private karaoke sessions are priced at Dhs45/hour (2+ hours) or Dhs55/hour (1-hour bookings). Timings: Open daily from 5pm to 3am Location: Replay, Bla Bla Dubai, JBR Contact: (0)4 584 4111. @replaydubai This June, Dubai gets two new spots that take dining and nightlife up a notch. Geisha is a Pan-Asian lounge with a live sushi bar and crafted cocktails. After 11PM, the vibe turns up with live bands and DJs. Just steps away inside the restaurant, Opal Room is a hidden speakeasy offering a low-key, intimate escape as the night unfolds. Opening June Location: 16th floor of Emirates Financial Towers in DIFC Culinara Social Dining is one of the newest arrivals on Dubai's culinary map. Set 100 metres above the city in The Link at One Zaabeel, this sky-high food hall brings together 12 of the region's most exciting chefs, homegrown concepts, and indie favourites, all under one roof, in a buzzing, beautifully designed spot. Timings: Open daily from 12pm to 11pm, Coffee and breakfast available daily from, 7am to 11pm. Location: The Link, One Zaabeel, 24th Floor. Contact: Images: Supplied/ Instagram > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Vancouver Sun
09-05-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Canada's first Din Tai Fung restaurant in Vancouver is worthy of the hype
Where: 1132 Alberni St., Vancouver When: Monday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Info: 778-508-6638 and It may be only the first week of full service, but Din Tai Fung in Vancouver is already operating like a well-oiled machine. Soft opened a few weeks prior to its May 5 grand opening date, the expansive eatery — 16,412 square feet and some 311 seats kind of expansive — the Taiwanese restaurant appears full steam ahead on operations. Located on the upstairs level of 1132 Alberni St., diners are greeted at a check-in desk for both reservations and walk-ins. Parties then receive a double-sided menu sheet and a red Din Tai Fung-branded pen while they wait to be seated by a host. Discover the best of B.C.'s recipes, restaurants and wine. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of West Coast Table will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Din Tai Fung (or DTF to foodie fans) offers a selection of appetizers, dumplings, noodles, wontons and more. 'Our menu is all about consistency, quality, and handcrafted excellence,' says Jessica Chao, VP of Brand Marketing of Din Tai Fung North America. 'DTF's culinary approach is all about harmony in flavours and spotlighting quality ingredients.' But it's the famous Xiao Long Bao that most people come to eat. Xiao Long Bao, or XLB to regulars, are plump soup dumplings made individually by hand. The steamed dumplings feature a thin wrapper of dough with a soupy filling featuring premium Kurobuta pork. Each dumpling is closed at the top with precise pleats. At Din Tai Fung, that approach features a 'signature Golden Ratio' and exactly 18 folds. 'Our Xiao Long Bao is the heart of Din Tai Fung and the perfect expression of precision and artistry,' says Chao. 'What makes them so special is the meticulous care that goes into every step.' Each Xiao Long Bao weighs in at 21 grams for a perfect balance of dough, filling and broth. 'It's an art and science process that takes months to master, and the result is a dumpling that's both beautiful and delicious every time — an experience that keeps guests coming back again and again,' Chao explains. Born in Taipei as a family‑run restaurant in 1958, the popular eatery has since expanded to include several locations including London, Dubai and New York. The new Vancouver restaurant is its first in Canada. Visiting during lunch service, the spacious restaurant was buzzing. Through the dining rooms and heated patio, few empty tables could be seen. And it didn't take long into our lunch service to understand why. This restaurant is seriously efficient. As parties arrived and departed around us, tables were bused and reset for the next guests almost instantly. Din Tai Fung is clearly a restaurant that can cater to busy business lunches, family outings and lingering Instagram foodies alike. Moments after sitting down, we were greeted by our smiling server who explained the paper ordering sheet we'd been given upon arrival. Laminated menu cards were also available for a more thorough description of each dish. After placing our order — Din Tai Fung's menu is meant to be shared, so dishes are served family style — the food arrived quickly. We started our meal with the Cucumber Salad appetizer ($9.50), which featured Persian cucumbers combined with fresh garlic and mild Fresno chili peppers. The cucumbers are tossed with sesame oil and a signature Din Tai Fung chili oil. Salty, crunchy, oily and with a slight hint of spice, it was a fresh start to the meal. A nearby table ordered the Sweet & Sour Pork Baby Back Ribs, which looked like a deliciously sticky serving of sauce-covered meat. That'll be on the must-try appetizer list for next time. The famous Kurobuta Pork Xiao Long Bao ($19.50 for 10) came next, arriving in a bamboo steamer basket. Towers of similar baskets could be seen travelling around the restaurant as eagerly awaiting diners received their fresh-from-the-kitchen soup dumplings, steamed buns and more. Sometimes, when you hear about a restaurant's best-known dish it fails to live up to its promise. That's not the case with these Xiao Long Bao. They are as good as anticipated, if not better. Warm and soft, the dumplings burst open with a gingery broth and savoury pork. The suggested soy sauce/vinegar mix, punctuated with a haystack bundle of thinly sliced ginger, was nice but by no means necessary, as the flavour of the Xiao Long Bao more than stand up alone. It required little stretch of the stomach to share the basket of 10 between two diners. Shifting to noodles next, we ordered the thin, housemade egg noodles with sesame sauce ($14). Arriving as a nest of soft, stringy noodles in a slippery signature chili oil, the tangle came topped with crushed roasted peanuts and sliced scallions. The creamy sesame sauce had a kick of spice that countered the oiliness. Next time, I'll try another noodle dish. The Chicken Spicy Wontons ($18 for 8) were slippery and saucy with a nice, subtle meaty flavour and a not-too-spicy heat. Delicious in their own right, it would be hard for any dumpling or wonton to follow the XLB. Our table fairly fought over the last pillowy XLB, opting to pack most of these wontons up to enjoy later. The restaurant offers a variety of vegan-friendly dishes including Vegan Spicy Wontons ($18 for 8), Vegan Buns ($11 for 2), and more. There's also a robust selection of greens such as Bok Choy with Scallion-infused Oil ($17) and String Beans with Garlic ($18). We skipped them this time around (more room for dumplings), but will try on a future visit. The drinks menu includes a range of milk teas, iced teas, honey lemonade and more (boba is optional) along with soft drinks and sparkling water. A selection of alcoholic beverages including beer, wine and cocktails are also available. A top tip at Din Tai Fung is to save some room for dessert. The Chocolate & Mochi Xiao Long Bao ($12.50) is divine. For true chocolate fans, the dish sees a chocolate truffle wrapped in a thin skin of mochi. We followed the recommendation of our server and got the salted cream on the side 'It's my favourite!' she exclaimed. The pillowy pockets of warm chocolate burst in your mouth, and the sea salt cream dip added an extra, subtly salty richness. So very, very good. Aharris@
